3 Dear Student, Thank you for your interest in Marist College. Finding the best way to finance a college education is a matter of great concern for all students. At Marist, providing financial aid assistance is a priority. The College is committed to making a Marist education available to all qualified students by assisting them in meeting their educational expenses. Marist College offers payment plans and financing options to enable you to more comfortably manage college costs. This guide discusses the various aid programs and student financial services offered by the College, explains the process by which you apply for financial aid, and reviews the types of aid available for graduate students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for financial aid consideration. Complete details on the aid application process can be found on page 10. On behalf of the Office of Student Financial Services, we look forward to working with you to make Marist an affordable option for you. Sincerely, Joseph R. Weglarz Executive Director, Student Financial Services Helpful Web Site Addresses Marist College Office of Student Financial Services Student Financial Services Marist College Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment Federal Student Aid Programs Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) New York State TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits The American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits

4 The Value of an Education A graduate education is an investment that requires patience, planning and perhaps some sacrifice. But it is an investment that will reward you with a lifetime of intelligent living, responsible citizenship, and a higher standard of opportunity for career and social success. Individuals with a graduate education have better job opportunities, earn more money, and develop skills and knowledge that are in high demand. A Marist education unlocks doors to economic and career opportunities. Marist College has developed extensive research partnerships with leaders in today s science, information technology, and business industries, meaning you ll have the opportunity to work hands-on with some of the most advanced technologies and applications in the world, and be introduced to the companies and people who are making their mark on today s workplace. Marist offers graduate programs designed with professionals in mind that build skills, increase earning potential, and strengthen your marketability. Marist College has a longstanding commitment to providing educational opportunities that accommodate the unique needs of working professionals including schedules, flexibility, online and on-campus delivery as well as various locations. Students must carefully consider the commitment it demands, but a Marist College education is the investment of a lifetime. Median Income by Education Level Doctoral Degree Professional Degree Master's Degree Bachelor's Degree Associate Degree Some College, No Degree High School Graduate Not a High School Graduate $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 4 Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009, Current Population Survey.

5 The Marist Graduate Degree The Princeton Review named Marist one of the best 373 colleges in the country, one of the 25 most connected campuses, and the School of Management one of the best 290 in the world. U.S. News & World Report consistently places Marist in its top tier. Barron s calls us one of the nation s 247 best buys in college education. Yahoo! Internet Life magazine selected Marist for its list of the 100 most wired campuses in the nation. The John Templeton Foundation placed Marist on its elite honor roll of only 100 academic institutions noted for teaching character development. Marist takes great pride in the quality of its academic programs and is equally proud of the value-oriented educational environment that supplements the formal classroom experience. The Marist College degree is increasingly recognized throughout the country and the world, and with good reason: the academic profile of the student body is one of the most competitive in higher education. The employment rate, starting salaries, level of community service, leadership roles, and long list of successful careers enjoyed by the majority of Marist s alumni all provide evidence of the value of the Marist degree. Located on a scenic stretch of the Hudson River that continues to play a vital role in the history, culture, and economy of our country, Marist College offers opportunities that exist at no other campus in America. 5

6 Financial Aid Programs Financing is a major concern for many people, but there are several options available. In addition to traditional sources, including personal income, savings, and family/employer assistance, programs are available to assist both full- and part-time students in meeting the cost of their education. For eligibility, students must be matriculated in a program at Marist College and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress each semester. For information on the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, please refer to Marist College also awards assistance based on demonstrated financial need. To apply for need-based financial assistance, full-time and part-time students must complete the FAFSA. The Marist College preferred deadline for FAFSA completion is May 15 for returning graduate students, August 15 for new fall students, and January 15 for new spring students. Annual renewal of financial aid requires completion of the FAFSA, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and a completed registration. Students can access their financial aid information online at my.marist.edu. GRADUATE GRANTS Marist Graduate Grant There are a limited number of grants for part-time or full-time graduate study. These are awarded each year to students who have completed the FAFSA. The award amount varies in accordance with need and academic merit and students must re-apply each year as it is not automatically renewed. To qualify, recipients must maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average. Returning students must complete a FAFSA renewal by May FEDERAL GRANTS TEACH Grant Program The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. If you do not complete the required teaching service obligation, TEACH Grant funds you receive will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that you must repay, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement. If you are interested in learning more about the TEACH Grant Program, visit

7 SCHOLARSHIPS AND ASSISTANTSHIPS McCann Fellowship Marist College provides McCann Fellowship awards for individuals employed by public sector and not-for-profit organizations that are interested in pursuing graduate studies in Public Administration. Fellowship awards are available to both new and returning students. Applications should be obtained from and submitted to the School of Management. In order to be eligible, students must be employed by a public sector or not-for-profit agency in the Mid-Hudson region; be a parttime student in the MPA program at Marist College; and not receive full tuition assistance from their employer. In order to retain the award, McCann Fellows must maintain academic progress toward their degree and re-file a McCann Fellowship application each year. Awards are based on availability of funds. Graduate Merit Scholarships The Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment awards merit-based scholarships upon acceptance into a graduate program at Marist. Awards are based on the applicant s cumulative GPA from their undergraduate degree-granting institution or most recently earned graduate/professional degree. Merit awards are given at the discretion of the scholarship committee. General eligibility for a scholarship does not guarantee admission. Marist alumni are eligible to receive a scholarship upon acceptance for $150/course. Graduate Scholars Award Eligibility Requirements: 3.5 GPA or higher Award Amount: $250/course Graduate Academic Award Eligibility Requirements: GPA Award Amount: $150/course Marist Alumni Scholars Award Eligibility Requirements: 3.5 GPA or higher Award Amount: $250/course Marist Alumni Academic Award Eligibility Requirements: Upon acceptance Award Amount: $150/course Graduate Assistantships Graduate Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to a select and limited number of full-time students who have demonstrated a strong academic record. Graduate Assistants work with faculty and staff to perform administrative and research tasks as well as other duties such as monitoring labs, tutoring, and assisting with student activities. Assistantships are comprised of a partial tuition waiver and stipend. The assistantship value and nature of work involved varies by program. For more detailed information, contact the director of the respective graduate program.

8 MARIST ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS Marist full-time, continuing adult students at the Poughkeepsie campus may apply for endowed scholarships. To apply online go to Debra Sue Levantrosser Women of Marist College Scholarship The Debra Sue Levantrosser Women of Marist College Scholarship was established by Frederick and Barbara Levantrosser in honor of their daughter, who received her Master's of Public Administration from Marist in Recipients must exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit and creativity as well as high integrity, motivation to succeed, and extraordinary potential for personal growth. Selection is based on the application, strength of the essay, and one faculty recommendation. The scholarship is available to traditional-aged female junior and senior undergraduates and female graduate students majoring in management, business, political science, or public administration. Special consideration is given to applicants pursuing an international focus in their studies and career aspirations. The award is made upon the recommendation of Student Financial Services and renewable based upon the review of Student Financial Services. PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS Web sites for private scholarship searches are found on the Internet. Many of these sites offer legitimate, free search opportunities for students seeking additional financial resources to meet their educational costs. We support student use of these services; however, there are a few items you should be aware of when completing private scholarship searches: 2. Outside scholarships may affect other types of financial aid, due to various program requirements and private donor specifications. If a private scholarship is received, contact the Office of Student Financial Services as early as possible to help maximize what is received from all sources. The Marist College Office of Student Financial Services Web page ( has links to various legitimate scholarship search pages. VETERANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL Students who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, may have additional sources of aid. Since 2009, G.I. Jobs magazine has named Marist College as a Military Friendly School. Qualified students can use any Chapter of the Montgomery GI Bill including the Post-9/11 GI Bill that pays 100% of Marist tuition for every 100% eligible graduate student. In addition, students can use military tuition assistance and New York State Veteran Tuition Awards to earn a degree. Furthermore, Active Duty and Reserve service members and their adult undergraduate dependents, admitted through the Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment, receive a 25% discount on tuition for most Marist programs. Veteran or military students, please contact the Dean of Graduate and Adult Enrollment at The private scholarship may not replace the opportunities a student receives by completing the regular financial aid application process in a timely manner. 8

9 ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF AID Tuition Employer Deferment Students eligible for tuition deferment from their employers may, with the appropriate documentation, defer payment until after the conclusion of the semester. Students must supply the Office of Student Financial Services with documentation from their employers verifying deferment eligibility. Students have the option of full tuition deferment if the employer is covering the total balance. Any charge not covered by the employer must be paid by the student. Applications are required each semester. Applications can be found at Organizational Discounts Marist College partners with certain employers and organizations. Organizational partnerships can be found on the application for admission or by visiting graduate/partnerships.html. Students with an affiliation to one of Marist s partners should indicate so on the application at which point they will be contacted about applicable discounted programs. Members of an organization that would like to affiliate with Marist should contact the Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment at Marist Graduate and Graduate International Student Employment Program College student employment is funded through Marist College s Campus Employment Program. There are opportunities for employment with various academic and administrative offices within the college. Students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during the regular academic term and 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Visit our Web site edu/sfs/studentemployment for additional information regarding student employment. 9

10 Applying for Financial Aid 1. FAFSA: The first step to applying for financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at Please remember to use the Marist College school code. To electronically sign the FAFSA, apply online for a PIN at Marist College s Federal School Code is Student Aid Report: Within several weeks, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR will give information regarding eligibility for financial aid based on the Expected Family Contribution and Cost of Attendance. The SAR will also indicate if there is any additional information that needs to be submitted. If the Department of Education selects the student for verification, the student and spouse, if applicable, must provide a signed copy of their prior year tax returns and all W-2s. A selected student is also required to complete a Marist Application for Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Application is available online at under the Student Financial Services forms. 3. Financial Aid Award and Aid Eligibility: The Office of Student Financial Services will send an award notification to each student based on his/her eligibility and anticipated enrollment. Marist College determines aid eligibility using the Federal Needs Analysis System established by the federal government. The formula that the federal government uses to determine eligibility is: What is "Financial Need"? College Cost Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need The Cost of Attendance consists of educational expenses such as tuition, fees, living expenses, books and supplies, transportation, and other related expenses. The Expected Family Contribution is the amount that the government determines the student can contribute toward their education. This amount is determined with a standard formula that uses the financial information supplied by the student, and is provided on the SAR. 4. MyMarist: Please click the "Student Financial Services" tab to review the "Financial Aid Award" and "Financial Aid Requirements". The Student Financial Services tab will also enable you to manage your billing account. 10

11 Payment/Loan Options Federal Direct Stafford Loan Federal Direct Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) are low-interest, long-term loans available for graduate students enrolled in at least 6 credits. Both subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans have the same terms and conditions, with one exception: unsubsidized loan borrowers are responsible for interest that accrues during all in-school, grace, and deferment periods; for subsidized loans, the federal government pays the interest on behalf of the borrower. Additional terms, subject to revision by federal law, include: Interest Rate: Interest rates on new student loans will be set at a fixed rate of 6.8% for subsidized and unsubsidized. Processing Fee: A 1.0% origination fee with a.5% interest rebate. For new borrowers, repayment begins six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time (6 credits) enrollment. The standard repayment term is 10 years, although one can get access to alternate repayment terms. The annual Direct Stafford Loan limit for graduate students is $20,500. No more than $8,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. Annual loans are further limited by the student s cost of attendance. The lifetime loan limit for graduate students is $138,500. No more than $65,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. The graduate debt limit includes all Stafford Loans received for undergraduate study. Fifth-Year Undergraduate Loan Program For Prerequisite Undergraduate Classes A student may apply for a Stafford Loan for up to 12 months of course work taken in a single consecutive 12-month period, if the school has documented that the course work is necessary in order for students to enroll in a graduate or professional program. This category of students may borrow at the fifthyear undergraduate loan level, and the loan limit is not prorated if the program is less than an academic year. Federal Direct GradPLUS Loan Graduate students who qualify for federal financial aid and are creditworthy borrowers will be eligible to borrow through the PLUS Loan program. Students are required to complete the FAFSA application. The maximum amount a student may borrow on a GradPLUS Loan each academic year is the cost of attendance minus other financial aid received. In addition, students must have exhausted their annual Stafford Loan eligibility. Interest Rate: Interest rates on new student loans will be set at a fixed rate of 7.9%. Processing Fee: A 4.0% origination fee with a 1.5% interest rebate. 11

13 Did You Know? A key measure of student success, the student loan default rate, is significantly better for Marist College than the rate for peer institutions. The 2008 cohort-default rate, the most recent available, was 1.1% for Marist College, compared with an average rate of 3.6% for all private, four-year colleges and universities nationally. Private Loan Programs Students seeking to defer the cost of financing their education may choose to pursue student loans. In addition to the federal loan programs, there are a number of alternative loan programs available for part-time or full-time students. These programs are sponsored by private lending organizations. Loan terms and interest rates may vary. Students should research the program that best suits their needs. For additional information, please refer to Click on the Alternative Loans link. WHAT WILL THE MONTHLY PAYMENT BE? Did you know that $20,000 in loans can be paid off in monthly installments as low as $225? To see a loan payment schedule and get an idea of monthly costs, go to Tax Incentives for Education Students should be aware that there are federal education tax credits available. The Hope Tax Credit provides credits of up to $1,500 per year per student for the first two years of college attendance; the Lifetime Learning Credit provides a credit of up to $1,000 per year per student beyond the first two years of college attendance. There are income limits and limits based on the actual amount of tuition and fees paid to the College. Detailed information is available from the IRS Web site: or from your tax professional. Students who have loans in repayment may be able to deduct their student loan interest from their income as well. Income limitations apply, so students should contact the IRS or their tax preparer to see if they qualify. Student Debt Management If you have any concerns, we advise you to speak with a financial aid counselor regarding debt management. If you have incurred significant debt, please speak with us before you consider additional borrowing. Loans may be your only choice, but you should clearly understand the total aggregate loan limitations and repayment schedules. Call the Office of Student Financial Services at to speak with a financial aid counselor. 13

14 STUDENT BILLING The Office of Student Financial Services is the department responsible for administering all transactions related to a student s financial account at Marist College. Student Financial Services issues billing statements, processes payments, credits, refunds, and charges that students may incur during their enrollment at Marist. Marist College provides electronic billing and payment services. Payment services include ACH payments from your checking or savings account. Students may obtain additional payment information via Billing dates vary depending upon your program. Information is available at Student Financial Services. Billing statements list basic semester charges for tuition and fees. Additional statements are issued for miscellaneous charges during the semester. Student Financial Services staff members are available to discuss aid opportunities, payment options, and financing plans. If you have any questions or would like to come in for an individual meeting, just call or to schedule an appointment. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m Friday. Things to Remember... It is important to keep the following points in mind as you familiarize yourself with the financial aid process: It is recommended that you file for aid before you are accepted by Marist. File the necessary forms: do not assume you are ineligible. File the FAFSA as early as you can (but not before January 1), even if you must estimate your income (use prior year, if similar, or current pay stubs). Send written documentation to the Office of Student Financial Services if there are unusual financial circumstances. Meet all deadlines. Please be sure to work with your program director regarding the format of your program. Work with your program director to develop a course plan and then review the plan with Student Financial Services to make sure you are covered for aid, if necessary. You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to be eligible for Stafford Loans. If you add or drop a class, please contact Student Financial Services to see if/how your aid would be adjusted. Please be sure to check your Foxmail (Marist ) account as that is how the Student Financial Services office sends notifications regarding changes and/or updates to your financial aid account. The Foxmail login is located at 14

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